a guide to australian government payments...australia without notifying the family assistance ofﬁ...

on behalf of the

Department of Families,

Community Services and

Indigenous Affairs,

the Department of

Education, Science

and Training, and

the Department of

Employment and

Workplace Relations

ContentsFamily Tax Benefi t Part A 2Family Tax Benefi t Part B 4Maternity Payment 4Maternity Immunisation Allowance 4Health Care Cards (Family Tax Benefi t) 5Child Care Benefi t (CCB) 5Jobs Education and Training Child Care Fee Assistance (JETCCFA) 5

Parenting Payment 6Double Orphan Pension 6

Age Pension 7Pension Bonus Scheme 8

Disability Support Pension 8Sickness Allowance 9Mobility Allowance 9Bereavement Allowance 9Wife Pension 10Widow B Pension 10

Carer Payment 10

Carer Allowance 11

Austudy 11ABSTUDY 12Pensioner Education Supplement 13Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) Scheme 13Youth Allowance 14

Newstart Allowance 16Partner Allowance 16Mature Age Allowance 16Widow Allowance 17CDEP Participant Supplement (CPS) and Supplementary Benefi ts (Add-ons) 17

Special Benefi t 18Crisis Payment 18

Remote Area Allowance 18

Income and Assets Tests

Chart A 19Chart B 19Chart C 19Compensation income 19Chart D(a) 20Chart D 20ConcessionsChart E# 21Taxable/Non-Taxable PaymentsChart F 22Rent AssistanceChart G 23Pharmaceutical AllowanceChart H 23

A guide to Australian Government payments

20 March – 30 June 2007

2

As part of the Tax Reforms introduced on 1 July 2000, the Family Assistance Offi ce was established to provide Australian families with a simplifi ed range of government payments and services and a wider choice of locations.

Over 550 Family Assistance Offi ces have been set up across the country in Medicare offi ces, Centrelink Customer Service Centres and Tax Offi ce shopfronts. The new payment eligibility requirements and rates are detailed below.

Family Tax Benefi t Part ABasic conditions of eligibility

■ Must have a dependent child aged under 21, or

■ A qualifying dependent full-time student aged 21–24.

Note: A child or student cannot be a dependant if:

– they are receiving a pension, Labour Market related payment or benefi t such as Youth Allowance, or

– aged 5–15, not studying full-time and their annual income is $11 548 or more, or

– aged 16–24 and their annual income is $11 548 or more or they are receiving a Prescribed Education Scheme payment such as ABSTUDY.

■ Have income under a certain amount (amount varies depending on number and age of children).

■ Paid to parent, guardian or approved care organisation.

Residential requirements■ Claimant must be living in Australia and be:

– an Australian citizen, or

– the holder of a permanent visa, or

– a New Zealand citizen who arrived on a New Zealand passport, or

– a holder of a temporary visa subclass 070, 309, 310, 447, 451, 695, 785, 786, 787, 820, 826 or a holder of a Criminal Justice Stay Visa issued specifi cally for the purpose of assisting in the administration of criminal justice in relation to the offence of people traffi cking, sexual servitude or deceptive recruiting.

■ Child must meet the above requirements or must be living with the claimant.

■ Family Tax Benefi t may be claimed during a temporary absence from Australia.

■ The base rate of Family Tax Benefi t Part A may continue to be paid for up to three years of a temporary absence from Australia. However, some recipients (certain temporary visa holders) may not be paid at all, or only in limited circumstances.

■ More than the base rate of Family Tax Benefi t Part A can generally only be paid for up to 13 weeks of a temporary absence from Australia. However, the length of your last return to Australia, or the type of visa you hold, may affect your entitlement during your absence from Australia.

Note: Family Tax Benefi t may be stopped if you leave Australia without notifying the Family Assistance Offi ce.

Basic rates and method of payment■ Family Tax Benefi t can be paid either fortnightly or as a

lump sum after the end of the fi nancial year to a bank or credit union account; or through the tax system as a lump sum payment after the end of the fi nancial year with the added option to reduce the amounts of tax withheld from wages paid to you or your partner.

■ Family Tax Benefi t Part A includes a supplement which is available only after the end of the fi nancial year following the lodgement of tax returns and may be used to offset overpayments.

■ Maximum rates of Family Tax Benefi t Part A

For each child Per fortnight Per year

Aged under 13 years $140.84 $4317.95

Aged 13–15 years $179.76 $5332.65

Aged 16–17 years $45.36 $1828.65

Aged 18–24 years $61.04 $2237.45

In an approved care organisation aged 0–24 years $45.36 $1182.60

Note: Payment per year fi gures (except for the approved care organisation fi gure) include the Family Tax Benefi t Part A supplement ($646.05 per child for the 2006–07 fi nancial year) but the fortnightly fi gures do not. The supplement can only be paid after the end of the fi nancial year.

■ To receive more than the base rate of Family Tax Benefi t Part A for children of a previous relationship, reasonable action to obtain child support must be taken. Blind pensioners are exempt from the maintenance action test.

■ Base rate of Family Tax Benefi t Part A

For each child Per fortnight Per year

Aged under 18 years $45.36 $1828.65

Aged 18–24 years $61.04 $2237.45

Note: Payment per year fi gures include the Family Tax Benefi t Part A supplement ($646.05 per child for the 2006–07 fi nancial year) but the fortnightly fi gures do not. The supplement can only be paid after the end of the fi nancial year.

Income test■ An income estimate does not need to be provided for those

who are single and who receive certain income support payments from Centrelink or the Department of Veterans' Affairs.

■ For Family Tax Benefi t Part A your family income can be $40 000 a year before your payment is reduced.

■ If your income is more than $40 000 a year, your payment will reduce by 20 cents for each dollar above $40 000, until your payment reaches the base rate of Family Tax Benefi t Part A.

■ Your Family Tax Benefi t Part A will stay at that rate until your income reaches $88 622 a year (plus $3504 for each Family Tax Benefi t child after the fi rst). Family Tax Benefi t Part A will decrease by 30 cents for every dollar over that amount until your payment reaches nil.

3

■ Income limit beyond which only base rate is paid ($pa)No. Children 13–15 years

No. Childrenaged 0–12 yrs Nil One Two Three

Nil $57 520 $75 040 $92 560

One $52 447 $69 967 $87 487 $105 007

Two $64 893 $82 413 $99 933 $117 453

Three $77 340 $94 860 $112 380 $129 900

Note: Income limit is higher if you are eligible for Rent Assistance.

■ Income limit at which Family Tax Benefi t stops ($pa)No. Children 18–24 years

No. Childrenaged 0–17 yrs Nil One Two Three

Nil $96 081 $107 043 $118 857

One $94 718 $105 680 $117 494 $129 308

Two $104 317 $116 131 $127 945 $139 759

Three *$114 769 *$126 582 *$138 396 *$150 210

Note: Income limits include the effect of the $646.05 Family Tax Benefi t Part A supplement which is available only after the end of the fi nancial year when annual family income can be assessed. Families with income approaching these amounts may only be able to be paid the Family Tax Benefi t at the end of the income year and not as fortnightly payments. Income limit is higher if families are eligible for Multiple Birth Allowance.

*Income limit is higher than stated for three children aged 13–15.

Maintenance income test for Family Tax Benefit Part A■ Maintenance income-free areas:

– Single parent, or one of a couple receiving maintenance $1215.45

– Couple, each receiving maintenance $2430.90

– For each additional child $405.15

■ Maintenance over these amounts may reduce Family Tax Benefi t Part A by 50 cents in the dollar, until the base rate of Family Tax Benefi t Part A is reached.

Assets test■ Family Tax Benefi t Part A is not subject to an assets test.

Family Tax Benefi t Part Amay also include

Large Family SupplementBasic conditions of eligibility

■ Paid for third and each subsequent child.

Residential requirements■ As for Family Tax Benefi t Part A.

Basic rates■ $9.80 per fortnight, or $255.50 pa.

■ Paid with Family Tax Benefi t Part A.

Income test■ As for Family Tax Benefi t Part A.

Assets test■ Large Family Supplement is not subject to an assets test.

Multiple Birth AllowanceBasic conditions of eligibility

■ Paid to a parent or guardian who has three or more children born during the same birth who are aged under six.


Basic rates■ Triplets $118.02 per fortnight, or $3076.95 pa.

■ Quadruplets or more $157.36 per fortnight, or $4102.60 pa.

■ Paid with Family Tax Benefi t Part A.

■ Ceases when children turn six.


Assets test■ No assets test.

Rent AssistanceBasic conditions of eligibility

■ Family Tax Benefi t Part A customers who are receiving more than the base rate and paying private rent.

■ Not paid to people paying rent to a government housing authority.


Basic rates■ Normally paid with Family Tax Benefi t Part A.

■ Number of children, relationship status and amount of rent paid determine rate.

Family situation

Maximum payment per

fortnight

No payment if your fortnightly rent is less than

Maximum payment if your fortnightly rent is more than

Single, one or two children $122.22 $121.80 $284.76Single, three or more children $138.18 $121.80 $306.04Couple, one or two children $122.22 $180.18 $343.14Couple, three or more children $138.18 $180.18 $364.42



Other Payments

■ Recipients of Family Tax Benefi t Part A may be eligible for other payments delivered by Centrelink. These include:

– Parenting Payment (see page 6)

– Double Orphan Pension (see page 6)

– Carer Allowance (see page 11).

4

Family Tax Benefi t Part BBasic conditions of eligibility

■ Gives extra assistance to sole parent families and to two parent families with one main income where one parent chooses to stay at home or to balance some paid work with caring for their children.

■ Family must have a dependent child aged under 16, or

■ A qualifying dependent full-time student up to the age of 18 (who doesn’t get Youth Allowance or a similar payment).

Residential requirements■ As for Family Tax Benefi t Part A with the exception that

Family Tax Benefi t Part B can generally only be paid for up to 13 weeks of a temporary absence from Australia. However, the length of your last return to Australia, or the type of visa you hold, may affect your entitlement whilst absent from Australia.

Note: Family Tax Benefi t may be stopped if you leave Australia without notifying the Family Assistance Offi ce.

Basic rates■ Payments are made either fortnightly to a bank or credit

union account or through the tax system as a lump sum payment at the end of the fi nancial year, with the added option to reduce the amounts withheld from wages paid to you or your partner.

■ Family Tax Benefi t Part B includes a supplement which is available only after the end of the fi nancial year following the lodgement of tax returns and may be used to offset overpayments.

■ Maximum rate of Family Tax Benefi t Part B.Age of youngest child Per fortnight Per year

Under 5 years $120.96 $3467.50

5–15 years (or 16–18 yearsif a full-time student)

$84.28 $2511.20

Note: Payment per year fi gures include the Family Tax Benefi t Part B supplement ($313.90 per family for the 2006–07 fi nancial year) but the fortnightly fi gures do not. The supplement can only be paid after the end of the fi nancial year.

Income test ■ Single parents automatically receive the maximum amount

of Family Tax Benefi t Part B.

■ For two parent families, the income of the main earner is not taken into account. It is the income of the lower earner that affects how much Family Tax Benefi t Part B the family will receive. The lower earner can earn up to $4234 each income year before it affects their Family Tax Benefi t Part B. Payments are reduced by 20 cents for each dollar of income earned over $4234.

■ Two parent families can still receive some Family Tax Benefi t Part B if:

– their youngest child is aged under 5 years and the lower earner has income less than $21 572 per annum, or

– their youngest child is aged between 5 and 18 years and the lower earner has income less than $16 790 per annum.


Maternity PaymentMaternity Payment replaced the Maternity Allowance and Baby Bonus for children born on or after 1 July 2004.

Basic conditions of eligibility■ Paid to families following the birth (including stillbirths) or

adoption of a baby.

■ The dependent child requirements for Family Tax Benefi t are met within 13 weeks of the child's birth, or within 13 weeks of the child being entrusted into the claimants care.

■ Payable to:

– a parent of the baby, or

– families who have care of a newborn child within 13 weeks of the child's birth, and are likely to continue to have care of the child for no less than 13 weeks, or

– families who have a child entrusted to their care for adoption before the child is two years of age and in the case of an overseas adoption the child must enter Australia before the child's second birthday.

■ For a local adoption, a claim must be lodged within 26 weeks from the date the child was entrusted to care. For an overseas adoption, a claim must be made within 26 weeks of the adopted child entering Australia where the child’s entry is part of the adoption process, or within 26 weeks from the date the child was entrusted to care where the child does not enter Australia as part of the adoption process.


Basic rates■ Usually the payment is a one-off lump sum payment of

$4133.

■ The payment is made into a bank or credit union account. Maternity Payment cannot be paid through the tax system.

■ For a multiple birth, Maternity Payment is paid for each child: for example, $8266 is paid for twins.

Income test■ No income test.


Maternity Immunisation AllowanceBasic conditions of eligibility

■ Paid for children aged 18–24 months who are fully immunised.

■ Must be claimed on or before the child turns two years of age.

■ Maternity Immunisation Allowance may be paid if an approved immunisation exemption has been obtained for the child.


5

Basic rates■ One-off lump sum payment of $229.70.

■ Payment is made into a bank or credit union account. Maternity Immunisation Allowance cannot be paid through the tax system.



Health Care Cards (Family Tax Benefi t)Basic conditions of eligibility

■ Receiving the maximum rate of Family Tax Benefi t Part A by instalment.

Residential requirements■ As for Family Tax Benefi t Part A, or in Australia and

receiving a pension under the New Zealand agreement.

Basic rates■ Card issued every six months.



Child Care Benefi t (CCB)Basic conditions of eligibility

■ The child must attend approved or registered child care.

■ The claimant or partner must be liable for the payment of the child care fees.

Residential requirements■ The claimant or partner must be living permanently in

Australia and be:




– a holder of a certain temporary visa (e.g. Spouse Provisional and Temporary Protection and similar visas), or

– a student from outside Australia sponsored by the Australian Government, or

– a non-resident experiencing hardship or special circumstances.

Other factors affecting eligibility■ Children aged under seven must have age appropriate

immunisation, be on a catch-up schedule, or have an exemption.

■ For approved care, all families are eligible for CCB for up to 24 hours care per child per week.

■ For approved care, both parents, or the sole parent, must participate in activities that meet the work/training/study test for at least 15 hours per week (or 30 hours per fortnight), or have an approved exemption to be eligible

for more than 24 hours per child and up to 50 hours of CCB per child per week.

■ For registered care, both parents, or the sole parent, must participate in activities that meet the work/training/study test at sometime during the week child care is used to receive up to 50 hours CCB.

■ Grandparents who are the primary carers of their grandchildren do not have to meet the work/training/study test to receive up to 50 hours of CCB per child per week of approved care.

■ Grandparents who are the primary carers of their grandchildren and who are receiving an income support payment from Centrelink or from the Department of Veterans' Affairs are eligible for a special rate of CCB, Grandparent CCB (GCCB), to cover the full cost of approved care for up to 50 hours per child per week.

Basic rates–approved care■ Up to $2.96 per hour for a non-school child ($148.00 for a

50 hour week).

■ Minimum rate of $0.497 per hour (up to $24.85 per week) for incomes over an upper threshold.

■ Rates for school children are 85 per cent of the non-school child rates.

■ Can be paid directly to child care services to reduce the fees charged. Fee reductions are based on an estimate of adjusted taxable income, with reconciliation after the end of the income (fi nancial) year.

■ Alternatively, payment can be made as a lump sum to parents after the end of the income (fi nancial) year.

Basic rates–registered care■ $0.497 per hour (up to $24.85 per week) for a non-school

child.

■ Rates for school children are 85 per cent of the non-school child rates.

■ Paid by direct credit on presentation of receipts.

Income test–approved care■ Maximum rate payable for family incomes under $34 310

or families on income support.

■ Minimum rate payable over the following thresholds:Number of children in care Upper income threshold

One $ 98 348

Two $106 629

Three+ $121 130 + $20 221 for each child after the third

Income test–registered care■ No income test.

Assets test ■ No assets test.

Jobs Education and TrainingChild Care Fee Assistance (JETCCFA)

■ Provides extra help with the cost of approved child care to eligible parents undertaking activities such as JobSearch, work or study as part of an activity agreement, to help them to re-enter the workforce.

6

Additional payments delivered by Centrelink:

Parenting PaymentBasic conditions of eligibility

■ Must have qualifying child aged under six if you are partnered, aged under eight if you are single or aged under 16 if you have been in receipt of Parenting Payment prior to 1 July 2006.

■ Can be paid to only one member of a couple.

■ When youngest qualifying child is aged six or over, must enter into a Activity Agreement allowing participation in a broad range of activities.

Note: Customers who were granted Parenting Payment before 1 July 2006 will remain on this payment until their youngest child turns 16 (subject to continuing eligibility) and will have participation requirements from 1 July 2007, or when their youngest child turns seven, whichever is the later.

Residential requirements■ Must be in Australia as an Australian resident for a period

of, or periods, totalling 104 weeks, or arrived in Australia as a refugee, or became a single parent while an Australian resident (for Parenting Payment Single only), or has a qualifying residence exemption.

■ Can be paid for up to 13 weeks for a temporary absence from Australia. The length of your last return to Australia may affect your entitlement during the absence from Australia.

■ Different rules apply if a person is covered by an International Social Security Agreement.

Basic rates■ Single Parents: up to $525.10* per fortnight.

* Since July 2000, has included a supplement. It is currently $18.30.

■ Partnered Parents: up to $382.80 per fortnight (up to $458.90 per fortnight if separated by illness or respite care couple, or partner in gaol).

■ Pharmaceutical Allowance is paid to Parenting Payment (Single) customers; it may be paid to Parenting Payment (Partnered) customers—see Chart H (page 25).

■ Education Entry Payment of $208 may be payable.

■ Employment Entry Payment of $104 may be payable.

■ Pensioner Education Supplement may be paid to Parenting Payment (Single) customers.

Rent Assistance■ Normally paid with Family Tax Benefi t Part A.

Income testSingle Parents

■ See Chart C (page 19).

Partnered Parents

Partner is not a pensioner

■ For maximum payment, the customer’s income must be no more than $62 per fortnight and the partner’s income must be no more than $732 per fortnight.

■ Customer’s income reduces the rate by 50 cents for each dollar between $62 and $250, and by 60 cents for each dollar above $250 per fortnight.

■ Partner’s income up to $732 per fortnight has no effect. Income over this amount reduces the rate by 60 cents for each extra dollar.

■ A part payment may be available provided all of the following conditions are met:

– customer’s income must be less than $731.34 per fortnight, and

– partner’s income must be less than $1370.00 per fortnight, and

– the combined income of the couple must be less than $1463.34.

■ These conditions are a guide only. Some customers who meet these conditions will not be eligible for a payment. Eligibility can only be confi rmed following a full assessment of a couple's income under the relevant income test.

■ Different limits apply if the partner receives Youth Allowance or Austudy Payment.

Partner is a pensioner

■ For maximum payment, the couple’s combined income must be no more than $124 per fortnight.

■ Couple’s combined income reduces the rate by 25 cents for each dollar between $124 and $500, and by 30 cents for each dollar above $500 per fortnight.

■ For part payment, the couple’s combined income must be less than $1462.68 per fortnight.

Assets test■ Homeowners see Chart A (page 19).

■ Non-homeowners see Chart B (page 19).

■ Hardship provisions may apply.

Double Orphan Pension (DOP)Basic conditions of eligibility

■ Child/ren aged under 16 in care and control of customer.

■ Full-time dependent students aged 16–21 who do not receive Youth Allowance.

■ Both the child/ren parents have died, or

■ One parent has died and the whereabouts of the other is unknown to the claimant, or

■ One parent has died and the other parent is in prison for not less than 10 years or held on remand and charged with an offence that may be punishable by imprisonment for a term of at least 10 years, or

■ One parent has died and the other parent is a patient of a pyschiatric hospital or nursing home indefi nitely.

■ Refugee children under certain circumstances.

■ Payable to a guardian or approved care organisation.

7

Residential requirements■ Claimant must be living in Australia and be:




– a holder of a certain temporary visa (e.g. Spouse Provisional and Temporary Protection and similar visas).

■ Holder of a certain temporary visa, subclass 309, 310, 447, 451, 695, 785, 786, 820 or 826, or the holder of a Criminal Justice Stay Visa.

■ May be paid for up to three years of a temporary absence from Australia. However, some recipients (certain temporary visa holders) may not be paid at all, or only in strictly limited circumstances.

■ Different rules apply if a person is covered by an International Social Security Agreement.

■ Can be claimed during a temporary absence from Australia.

Basic rates■ The base rate of DOP is $49.40 per fortnight.

■ An additional component of DOP may be payable. The additional component will be equal to the difference between the carer’s entitlement to Family Tax Benefi t for the young person and the Family Allowance/Family Tax Benefi t received for the young person immediately before they became a double orphan. The additional component will not be payable to approved care organisations.



Age Pension (AP)Basic conditions of eligibility

■ Men aged 65 or over or women see table below.

Women born between Eligible for Age Pensionat age

1 July 1935 and 31 Dec. 1936 601/2

1 Jan. 1937 and 30 June 1938 61

1 July 1938 and 31 Dec. 1939 611/2

1 Jan. 1940 and 30 June 1941 62

1 July 1941 and 31 Dec. 1942 621/2

1 Jan. 1943 and 30 June 1944 63

1 July 1944 and 31 Dec. 1945 631/2

1 Jan. 1946 and 30 June 1947 64

1 July 1947 and 31 Dec. 1948 641/2

1 Jan. 1949 and later 65

Residential requirements■ Must be an Australian resident and in Australia on the day

the claim is lodged, unless claiming under an International Social Security Agreement.

■ Must have been an Australian resident for a total of at least 10 years, at least fi ve of these years in one continuous period, or

■ Residence in certain countries with which Australia has an International Social Security Agreement may count towards Australian residence, or

■ Have a qualifying residence exemption (arrived as refugee or under special humanitarian program), or

■ A woman who is widowed in Australia, when both she and her late partner were Australian residents and who has 104 weeks residence immediately prior to claim, or

■ Person was in receipt of Widow B Pension, Widow Allowance, Mature Age Allowance or Partner Allowance immediately before turning Age Pension age.

■ Can generally be paid for the total period of absence from Australia (some exemptions may apply), however, after 26 weeks the rate may change.

Note: Special rules in the case of travel to New Zealand, or if covered by an International Social Security Agreement.

Basic rates Status Pension rate per fortnight

Single $525.10*

Couple $438.50* each

* Since July 2000, has included a pension supplement. It is currently: single $18.30, couple $15.30 each.

■ Paid fortnightly to bank or credit union account.

■ If a couple is separated because of illness, they may each be able to be paid at the single pension rate. The combined income and assets of the couple are used to work out their rates.

■ The single rate may be payable to one member of a couple if partner not receiving payment is imprisoned or in a psychiatric hospital.

■ Partnered rate payable to one member of a couple if partner is not receiving a pension, benefi t or allowance.

■ Pharmaceutical Allowance is paid. See Chart H (page 23).

■ Not eligible for Employment Entry Payment or Education Entry Payment, or Pension Education Supplement.

Rent Assistance■ See Chart G (page 23).

Income test■ See Chart C (page 19).

■ There is no income and assets test for Age Pension if you are permanently blind, however your pension may be reduced if you receive certain other payments. You will need to provide income and asset details if you claim rent assistance and/or have a partner who is claiming or receiving an income and assets tested payment from Centrelink.




■ No assets test for age pensioners who are permanently blind.

8

Pension Bonus SchemeBasic conditions of eligibility

■ Allows people who work and defer claiming Age Pension to earn a one-off tax-free lump sum bonus.

■ Must register before a bonus can be accrued. Earliest registration is the date, age and residence requirements for Age Pension are met.

■ Maximum bonus accrual period is fi ve years.

■ Cannot accrue bonus after age 75.

■ Must meet work test of at least 960 hours of paid work each year for a minimum of 12 months from registration.

■ Not paid if receiving income support (except Carer Payment) since meeting age and residency requirements for Age Pension rates (page 7).

■ Can be affected by ‘gifting rules’ if more than $10 000 is given away in a single year or more than $30 000 over a fi ve year period.

Basic rates■ Members claim bonus when they eventually claim

Age Pension.

■ Amount of bonus is based on how long a person defers pension from the date of registration, and rate of pension payable at time of claim.

Rate if maximum pension payableYears (bonus periods)

Single Partnered(each)

1 $1 283.30 $1 071.702 $5 133.40 $4 286.803 $11 550.10 $9 645.204 $20 533.50 $17 147.105 $32 083.60 $26 792.40

Disability Support Pension (DSP)Basic conditions of eligibility

■ Aged 16 or over but under Age Pension age at date of claim lodgement, and

■ Must have a physical, intellectual, or psychiatric impairment assessed at 20 points or more, and

■ Inability to work for at least the next two years as a result of impairment, and

■ Inability, as a result of impairment, to undertake a training activity which would equip the person for work within the next two years, or

■ Be permanently blind.

Residential requirements■ Must be an Australian resident and in Australia on the day

the claim is lodged, unless claiming under an International Social Security Agreement.

■ Must have been an Australian resident for a total of at least 10 years, at least fi ve of those years in one continuous period, or

■ Residence in certain countries with which Australia has an International Social Security Agreement may count towards Australian residence, or

■ Have a qualifying residence exemption (arrived as refugee or under special humanitarian program), or

■ Immediately eligible if inability to work occurred while an Australian resident, or

■ Was a dependent child of an Australian resident at the time the continuing incapacity to work commenced.

■ May be paid for up to 13 weeks of an absence from Australia or indefi nitely in some cases if terminally ill and leaving Australia indefi nitely. Different rules apply if person is covered by our International Social Security Agreement.

Basic rates■ See Age Pension rates (page 7), except if aged under 21

without children.

■ Disability Support Pension under 21, no children (includes Youth Disability Supplement).

Single, aged under 18 at home $289.00 pf independent $446.60 pf

Single, aged 18–20 at home $327.60 pf independent $446.60 pf

Member of a couple aged under 18 $438.50 pf aged 18–20 $438.50 pf

■ DSP not subject to parents’ income and assets.

■ Youth Disability Supplement of $98.50 per fortnight is payable to DSP customers aged under 21 and is included in the above rates.

■ Rate payable to those aged under 21 cannot exceed rate payable to those aged over 21.





■ Rent Assistance not payable to single persons aged under 21, without dependants, who live with their parents or guardian.


■ For those aged under 21, also see Chart C (page 19).

■ No income test on basic rate for Disability Support Pensioners who are permanently blind.



■ No assets test on basic rate for Disability Support Pensioners who are permanently blind.


9

Sickness Allowance (SA)Basic conditions of eligibility

■ Aged 21 or over but under Age Pension age, and

■ Temporarily incapacitated for work (or full-time study and on Austudy or ABSTUDY).

■ Must have a job or full-time study to which they can return.

■ A medical certifi cate from a qualifi ed medical practitioner must be supplied.

■ Not payable to Youth Allowance recipients who become incapacitated for study.

Residential requirements■ Must be an Australian resident.

■ Available to newly arrived migrants after 104 weeks in Australia as an Australian resident (some exemptions may apply).

■ May be paid for up to 13 weeks of a temporary absence from Australia in certain limited circumstances.

Basic rates■ Single: see Newstart Allowance.

■ Partnered: see Newstart Allowance.


Rent Assistance■ See Newstart Allowance.

Income test■ See Chart D (page 22).

Assets test■ See Newstart Allowance.

Mobility Allowance (MOB)Basic conditions of eligibility

■ Paid to a person with a disability aged 16 or over who cannot use public transport without substantial assistance, and

■ Is required to travel to and from their home in order to undertake work (including volunteer work), training or job seeking, and

■ Not be in gaol or undergoing psychiatric confi nement in connection with a conviction.

■ To qualify for a standard rate of MOB,

– be undertaking any combination of paid or voluntary work or vocational training for 32 hours every four weeks, or

– undertaking job search activities under an agreement between Centrelink and a service provider funded by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations or the Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, or

– be receiving Newstart Allowance, Youth Allowance or Austudy Payment, and satisfy the activity test associated with these payments.

■ To qualify for the higher rate of MOB,

– be receiving Newstart Allowance, Youth Allowance or Disability Support Pension, and

– be working 15 hours per week at or above the relevant minimum wage, or

– be looking for work of 15 hours or more per week at or above the relevant minimum wage under an agreement with an employment service provider.



■ May be paid for up to 13 weeks of temporary absence from Australia.

Basic rates■ $74.30 per fortnight.


■ A lump sum advance equal to six months allowance may be paid once a year.

Higher rates■ $104.00 per fortnight.


■ A lump sum advance equal to six months allowance may be paid once a year.

Rent Assistance■ Not payable.

Income test■ No income test. Mobility Allowance is not payable if

you have been provided with a car from Department of Veterans’ Affairs under the Vehicle Assistance Scheme. A person who is supplied with a GST-free car under the Goods and Services Act is not prevented from receiving Mobility Allowance.


Bereavement AllowanceBasic conditions of eligibility

■ Person whose partner has died.

■ Has no qualifying child for Parenting Payment (Single).

■ Living with partner immediately before death.

■ Paid for a maximum of 14 weeks from date of death of partner (can be extended if a widow is pregnant).


■ Available to newly arrived migrants after 104 weeks in Australia as an Australian resident or has a qualifying residence exemption.

■ Immediately eligible if both the person and the partner were Australian residents when the partner died.

■ May be paid outside Australia for the period of the payment.

Basic rates■ Single pension rate (see Age Pension).


10

■ Not eligible for Employment Entry Payment or Education Entry Payment.





Wife PensionBasic conditions of eligibility

■ Since 1 July 1995, no new grants of Wife Pension. Current recipients (wife of an Age or Disability Support Pensioner) may continue to receive this pension.

Residential requirements■ May be paid for up to 13 weeks during a temporary

absence from Australia. May be paid for longer in certain circumstances or if International Social Security Agreement Provisions apply.

Basic rates■ See Age Pension.








Widow B PensionBasic conditions of eligibility

■ Since 20 March 1997, no new grants of Widow B Pension. Current recipients continue to receive this pension until eligible for Age Pension.

Residential requirements■ May be paid for up to 13 weeks during a temporary

absence from Australia. May be paid indefi nitely in certain circumstances or if International Social Security Provisions apply.








Carer PaymentBasic conditions of eligibility

■ Person providing constant care for:

– a person who has a physical, intellectual or psychiatric disability, or

– a child with a profound disability, or

– two or more children with disabilities, or

– an adult and that adult’s dependent child, who needs care permanently or for an extended period.

■ Cannot receive Carer Payment as well as other income support payment, such as Age Pension, Newstart Allowance or Parenting Payment. However, person may be entitled to other payments such as Carer Allowance or Family Tax Benefi t.

■ The person being cared for must receive income support or a service pension, or

– not have qualifying residence for a pension, or

– meet the Special Care receiver income and assets limits.

■ The carer is not required to live with or adjacent to the person being cared for, but must be providing constant care.

Residential requirements■ Claimant and care receiver must be Australian residents,

unless covered by an International Social Security Agreement.


■ May be paid for up to 13 weeks of a temporary absence from Australia.

■ May be paid for up to 63 days in a calendar year during a period of respite, either in Australia or outside Australia.




Income test■ Carer: see Chart C (page 19).

■ Person being cared for: see Chart C (page 19), unless person is not receiving income support or Veterans’ Affairs income support payment in which case a Special Care Receiver income test applies (see page 11).

Assets test■ Carer: homeowners see Chart A (page 19).



■ Person being cared for (care receiver): see Chart A or B (page 19), unless the care receiver is not receiving income

11

support or Veterans’ Affairs income support payment in which case a Special Care Receiver assets test applies (see below).

Carer Payment Special Care ReceiversIncome and Assets limits

■ Non-customer care receiver income test for Carer Payment:

– the income limit for a non-customer care receiver to qualify their carer for Carer Payment is $86 839.

■ Non-customer care receiver assets test for Carer Payment:

– the assets limit for a non-customer care receiver to qualify their carer for Carer Payment is $535 750

– if non-customer care receiver assets are over $535 750 under certain circumstances the non-customer care receiver’s assets test may not disqualify the carer from Carer Payment

– current liquid assets limits for non-customer care receivers are $6000 (single) and $10 000 (partnered).

Carer Allowance (CA)Basic conditions of eligibility

An income supplement paid to someone who provides daily care and attention at home to a person with a disability or medical condition who is:

■ aged 16 or over where the disability causes a substantial functional impairment, or

■ a dependent child aged under 16:

– for a Health Care Card only, the child must require ‘substantially more care and attention’ compared to a child of the same age without a disability

– for Carer Allowance and a Health Care Card, the child’s disability must appear on a list of disabilities/conditions which result in automatic qualifi cation or must cause the child to function below the standard for his or her age level.

■ the child and the carer must live together in the same private residence or, if the child is hospitalised at the time of the claim, there must be an intention for the child to return home to live with the carer.

Residential requirements■ Claimant and care receiver must be Australian residents.

■ May be paid for up to 13 weeks of a temporary absence from Australia (or longer in certain limited circumstances). The length of your last return to Australia may affect your entitlement during the absence from Australia.

Basic rates■ $98.50 per fortnight.

■ May be paid in addition to an income support payment.




AustudyBasic conditions of eligibility

■ To qualify for Austudy, a person must be undertaking qualifying study or a full-time Australian Apprenticeship and be aged 25 or over.



■ May be paid for up to 13 weeks of a temporary absence from Australia (or longer in certain limited circumstances, e.g. if travel is to study as part of your Australian course). The length of your last return to Australia may affect your entitlement during the absence from Australia.

Basic rates■ Single $348.10 pf

■ Single, with children $456.00 pf

■ Partnered, with children $382.20 pf

■ Partnered, no children $348.10 pf

■ Special rate for long-term income supportrecipients commencing full-time study or Australian Apprenticeship:

– Single $422.80 pf

– Partnered, no children $382.20 pf

■ Advance of Austudy Payment of up to $500 may be available.

■ Pharmaceutical Allowance may be paid. See Chart H (page 23).

Fares allowance■ Only paid to tertiary students who have to live away from

their permanent home to study.

■ Reimbursement of the cost of cheapest practicable form of public transport, regardless of transport actually used.

■ Not payable for daily travel.


Personal income test■ Gross income is assessed.

■ The income-free area is $236 per fortnight.

■ Income above the income-free area reduces payment (unless credit in Income Bank).

■ See Chart D(a) (page 20).

Income Bank■ Allows Austudy Payment students to accumulate up to

$6000 of any unused portion of their fortnightly income-free area.

■ Allows Austudy Payment Australian Apprentices to accumulate up to $1000 of any unused portion of their fortnightly income-free area.

■ Income Bank credits can be used to offset any income earned that exceeds the fortnightly income-free area.

12



■ Payment may be deferred when liquid assets exceed $2500 (single) or $5000 (couple or single with dependants).

■ Hardship provisions may apply to the assets test.

ABSTUDY SchemeBasic conditions of eligibility

■ Person is:

– of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent according to the ABSTUDY defi nition of Aboriginality,

– studying an approved course at an approved education institution, or

– undertaking a full-time Australian Apprenticeship, and

– not receiving other government assistance for study.

Residential requirements■ Must be an Australian citizen and normally live in Australia.

Basic rates■ Living Allowance:

StandardAged under 16 years tertiary $26.20 pfAged under 16 years in State Care and Foster Care Allowance paid $190.50 pfAged 16–17 years in State Care andFoster Care Allowance paid $190.50 pfAged 18–20 years in State Care andFoster Care Allowance paid $229.10 pfAged under 16 years in State Care andno Foster Care Allowance paid $348.10 pfAged 16–20 years in State Care and no Foster Care Allowance paid $348.10 pfAged 16–17 years $190.50 pfAged 18–20 years $229.10 pfAged 21 years or over* $424.30 pf

Away from homeAged under 16 years $190.50 pfAged 16–20 years $348.10 pfAged 21 years or over* $424.30 pf

Independent–single, no childrenAged under 16 years $348.10 pfAged 16–20 years $348.10 pfAged under 16 years at home $190.50 pfAged 16–17 years at home $190.50 pfAged 18–20 years at home $229.10 pfAged 21 years or over* $424.30 pfSingle, aged 60 years or over*(includes Pharmaceutical Allowance) $464.70 pf

Independent–partnered, no childrenAged under 16 years $348.10 pfAged 16–20 years $348.10 pfAged 21 years or over* $382.80 pf

Independent–single with dependent childAged under 16 years $456.00 pfAged 16–20 years $456.00 pfAged 21 years or over* $458.90 pf

Independent–partnered with dependent childAged under 16 years $382.20 pfAged 16–20 years $382.20 pfAged 21 years or over* $382.80 pf

* These amounts are indexed every March and September.

■ School Term Allowance $540.80 pa

■ School Fees Allowance (at home):Turning 16 before 1 July in school year $78.00 paAged under 16 years at 30 June in school year $156.00 pa

■ School Fees Allowance (boarding):Maximum rate (subject to income test) $7536.00 paIncome test-free $6396.00 pa

■ Incidentals Allowance:Less than 12 week course $66.90 pa12 to 16 week course $117.10 pa17 to 23 week (one semester) course $233.10 pa24 week to one year course $473.50 pa

■ Additional Incidentals AllowanceEssential course costs in excess ofless than 12 week course $115.00 pa12 to 16 week course $227.80 pa17 to 23 week (one semester) course $455.50 pa24 week to one year course $912.40 paMaximum in a year $2080.00 pa

■ Lawful Custody Allowance essential course costs

■ Aged under 16 years BoardingSupplement $2054.40 per semester

■ Residential Costs Option $41.60 pf plus actual costs

■ Masters and Doctorate allowances:

Masters and Doctorate student $19 616.00 pa living allowance $752.40 pf

Relocation Allowance $1520.00 maximum ($530.00 adult; $260.00 child)

Thesis Allowance—one off payment

– Masters—actual cost, maximum payment $420.00

– PhD—actual cost, maximum payment $840.00

Compulsory course fees or Student Contribution Amounts (previously known as HECS) actual costs

■ Fares Allowance (students only) actual costs

■ Away from base assistance actual costsMaximum payment for Masters/PhD is $2080.00 per year.

■ Remote Area Allowance. (See page 18.)


■ The Pensioner Education Scheme (PES) is also payable under ABSTUDY (see PES page 13).

■ Advance of ABSTUDY of up to $500 may be payable.


Youth Disability Supplement■ Youth Disability Supplement of up to $98.50 per fortnight

is payable to ABSTUDY customers aged under 21 who have been assessed as having a partial capacity to work.

■ Youth Disability Supplement is added to the rate of ABSTUDY and the rate payable cannot exceed the rate payable to those aged over 21 on Newstart Allowance.

13

Means tests■ Income test on Living Allowance and Rent Assistance.

■ The 'at home' rate of Schools Fees Allowance and the School Term Allowance are payable to applicants eligible for an income support payment, ABSTUDY Living Allowance, CDEP wages or a Health Care Card.

■ Parental means tests do not apply to students in State Care.

Personal Income Test—Income Bank■ Same as for Austudy Payment and the Youth Allowance

personal income test and Income Bank for full-time students and Australian Apprentices. Applies to students and Australian Apprentices aged 16 or over and independent Australian Apprentices aged under 16.

Parental Income Test■ Same as for Youth Allowance except for some additional

circumstances where the parental income and assets tests doesn't apply and the parental income threshold is raised due to dependent siblings. Contact Centrelink for details.

■ Applies to dependent students and Australian Apprentices.

Family Assets Test■ Same as for Youth Allowance. Applies to dependent

students and Australian Apprentices.

Family Actual Means Test■ Same as for Youth Allowance. Applies to dependent

students and Australian Apprentices.

Independent—Assets Test■ Same as for Youth Allowance and Austudy payment.

Independent—Partner Income Test■ For students and Australian Apprentices aged under 21—

same as for Youth Allowance.

■ For students and Australian Apprentices aged 21 and over—same as for Newstart Allowance except for 50 cents in the dollar abatement of partner income over the income-free area and adjustments for dependent children.

Pensioner Education Supplement (PES)Basic conditions of eligibility

■ Receipt of a Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs or Department of Veterans’ Affairs income support payment because a person has a disability, is a single parent, carer, widow allowee or Widow B pensioner, or wife pensioner partnered to a disability support pensioner.

■ Studying an approved course at an approved educational institution.

■ Single principal carers and people with a partial capacity to work who receive Newstart Allowance may be eligible for PES in certain circumstances.



■ May be paid for up to 13 weeks of a temporary absence from Australia (or longer in certain limited circumstances, e.g. if travel is to study as part of your Australian course).

Basic rates■ $62.40 per fortnight for:

– approved students with at least a 50 per cent study load, or

– approved students granted a 25 per cent workload concession who undertake at least 25 per cent study load and who are either disability support pensioners or invalidity service pensioners, or

– approved students granted a 25 per cent workload concession who undertake at least 25 per cent study load with a War Widow(er) Pension receiving an invalidity income support supplement.

■ $31.20 per fortnight for:

– approved students, other than those above, with at least a 25 per cent study load.

Fares allowance■ Fares allowance is payable to tertiary PES students who live

away from partner/child to study.

■ Reimbursement of the cost of cheapest practicable form of public transport, regardless of transport actually used.

Income and assets test■ No income or assets tests apply.

Assistance for Isolated Children(AIC) SchemeBasic conditions of eligibility

■ Families of primary, secondary and certain tertiary students who do not have reasonable daily access to an appropriate state school can receive assistance:

– for students who must board away from home, in a school, hostel or privately, or

– to maintain a second home so that a student can access school daily, or

– for students who are enrolled in full-time studies in an approved distance education course.

■ An appropriate state school is normally one that offers tuition at the grade or year in which the student is qualifi ed to enrol (e.g. Year 11). Where the student has a health-related condition (including a disability) or special educational needs, the nearest appropriate state school is the one which provides access to the facilities, programs, and/or environment required to meet those needs.

■ Students must:

– normally have reached minimum school entry age and be aged under 19 as at 1 January (certain pensioner students may be eligible for AIC up to their 21st birthday), and

– be undertaking approved studies at an approved institution.

■ Tertiary students must be either under the minimum age that the state or territory requires them to participate in education or training or under 16 years of age (whichever is the greater).

14

Residential requirements■ Student and claimant must be living permanently in

Australia and be:


– an Australian permanent resident, or

– a New Zealand citizen who arrived on a New Zealand passport (waiting periods may apply).

Allowances and maximum rates■ Boarding Allowance

Maximum rate of two components: $7536.00 pa

– Basic (not income tested) $6396.00 pa

– Additional (subject to parental income and actual board costs) $1140.00 pa

■ Second Home Allowance (limited to a maximumof three students in a family) $186.34 pf per student

■ Distance Education Allowance $3198.00 pa

■ AIC Pensioner Education Supplement $62.40 pfFor students aged under 21 who receive a Disability Support Pension or Parenting Payment (Single) and who are studying at primary level.


Income test■ No income test is applied to Basic Boarding Allowance,

Distance Education Allowance, Second Home Allowance or the AIC Pensioner Education Supplement.

■ Additional Boarding Allowance reduces by one dollar for each four dollars of parental income over $30 750. If parental income exceeds $35 309 once adjusted, only Basic Boarding Allowance is payable.

Note: Adjusted parental income includes the applicant and his/her partner’s combined taxable income as adjusted by deductions/add-backs for other dependent students and younger children in the family; maintenance payments made or received; negative gearing and certain fringe benefi ts. If the student’s actual boarding charges are $6146 or less, only Basic Boarding Allowance is payable. If the applicant or his/her partner is in receipt of certain Australian Government income support payments, or holds a current Health Care Card, this test may be waived.

■ Where the applicant is eligible for Additional Boarding Allowance, payment is payable up to:

– the entitlement under the Parental Income Test, or

– the student’s boarding costs.

Note: Depending on parental income and other circumstances, a student may receive a higher level of Australian Government assistance if he/she is eligible for Youth Allowance, ABSTUDY, or Pensioner Education Supplement.

Families receiving an AIC allowance for a student may continue to receive Family Tax Benefi t for the same student. Family Tax Benefi t cannot be paid for students aged 16 or over receiving Youth Allowance or ABSTUDY.


Youth Allowance (YA)Basic conditions of eligibility

■ Full-time students and Australian Apprentices aged 16–24, or students who are temporarily incapacitated for full-time study aged 21–24:

– students and Australian Apprentices aged 25 or over, getting Youth Allowance immediately before turning 25 and remaining in the same course of study or Australian Apprenticeship.

■ Unemployed, aged under 21, looking for work or combining part-time study with job search, or undertaking any other approved activity, or temporarily incapacitated for work or study.

■ Independent, aged 15 and above the school leaving age in their state who are satisfying or exempt from the activity test.



■ If exempt from activity test may be paid for up to 13 weeks for temporary absence from Australia in certain limited circumstances. The length of your last return to Australia may affect your entitlement during the absence from Australia.

■ If a person undertakes full-time study they may be paid for up to 13 weeks of temporary absence from Australia or longer if they travel to study as part of their Australian course.

Basic rates■ Single, no children:

– aged under 18, at home $190.50 pf

– aged under 18, away from home $348.10* pf

– aged 18 and over, away from home $348.10* pf

– aged 18 and over, at home $229.10 pf

■ Single, with children $456.00* pf

■ Partnered, no children $348.10* pf

■ Partnered, with children $382.20* pf

* Rent Assistance may be payable.

■ Single, principal carer of a dependent child (granted an exemption for foster caring/home schooling/distance education/large familes) $525.10 pf.

■ Special rate for long-term income support customers or migrants studying English aged 21 or over commencing full-time study or Australian Apprenticeship.

– Single, living at home $281.30 pf

– Single, living away from home $422.80 pf

– Partnered, no children $382.20 pf

■ Young people not considered independent must be assessed to get the away from home rate.


■ Payment is generally made to a parent for those aged under 18 who are not independent.

15

■ Advance of Youth Allowance of up to $500 may be payable.

■ Work for the Dole participants may be eligible for an additional payment of $20.80 per fortnight.

■ Youth Allowance (job seekers) assessed as having a partial capacity to work will receive the Pensioner Concession Card.

Fares allowance■ Only paid to tertiary students who have to live away from

their permanent home for study.

■ Reimbursement of the cost of the cheapest practicable form of public transport, regardless of transport actually used.

■ Not payable for daily travel.


■ Rent Assistance for single people without children may only be paid to those who receive the away from home rate of Youth Allowance.

■ Where both members of a couple without children are getting an allowance or benefi t, Rent Assistance is shared.

Youth Disability Supplement■ Youth Disability Supplement of up to $98.50 per fortnight

is payable to Youth Allowance customers aged under 21 who have been assessed as having partial capacity to work.

■ Youth Disability Supplement is added to the rate of Youth Allowance and the rate payable cannot exceed the rate payable to those over 21 on Newstart Allowance.

Parental income test■ If not independent, a parental income test applies.

■ Rate reduces if parent’s income exceeds threshold of $30 750 PLUS for additional dependent children:

– $1230 for fi rst dependent child aged under 16

– $2562 for each additional dependent child aged under 16

– $3792 for each dependent child:

– aged between 16–24 in full-time study, or

– aged between 16–24 undertaking a full-time Australian Apprenticeship, or

– aged between 16–20 and seeking employment, or

– who receives a boarding allowance or second home allowance under the Assistance for Isolated Children scheme.

– $7585 for a tertiary student living away from home, where there are two such children in the family.

■ Rate reduces by $1 for every $4 over the threshold.

■ After applying parental income test, a personal income test is applied.

■ The parental income and assets tests does not apply if the parent(s) hold a current low-income Health Care Card or they receive a designated income support payment through either Centrelink or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. The Family Actual Means Test may still apply.

■ In some circumstances (where parental income decreases/increases substantially) parent/s’ income in the current tax year is used.

■ The parental means test does not apply to Youth Allowance (job seekers) assessed as having a partial capacity to work.

Personal income test■ Gross income is assessed.

■ There is an income-free area of $62 per fortnight for job seekers and $236 per fortnight for students and Australian Apprentices.

■ Income above the income-free area reduces payment unless credit in Income Bank (for students and Australian Apprentices—see below) or working credit (see page 20).

■ See Chart D(a) (page 20).

Income Bank■ Allows Youth Allowance students to accumulate up to

$6000 of any unused portion of their fortnightly income-free area.

■ Allows Youth Allowance Australian Apprentices to accumulate up to $1000 of any unused portion of their fortnightly income-free area.

■ Income Bank credits can be used to offset any income earned that exceeds the fortnightly income-free area.

Assets test■ If not independent, family assets test applies (no personal

assets test):

– No payment can be made if family’s assets exceed $535 750

– A 75 per cent discount for farm/business assets applies to the family assets test.

■ If independent:

– Homeowners see Chart A (page 19)

– Non-homeowners see Chart B (page 19).


■ Hardship provisions may apply to the personal assets test.

Family actual means test■ Family actual means (i.e. family spending and savings)

in the 2005–2006 tax year is used where you are not independent and where one or both of your parents:

– had an interest in a trust, private company or unlisted public company

– was self-employed (except as a sole trader engaged wholly or mainly in primary production) or a partner in a partnership

– earned in excess of A$2500 (including tax exempt income) from a source in Norfolk Island or outside Australia

– was a wage or salary earner who claimed or will claim a tax deduction for a business loss (whether current or carried forward) that does not consist only of a passive investment loss in your partnership income tax returns

– had an interest in assets held in a country other than Australia in excess of A$2500 or is a migrant who fi rst entered Australia under a business skills category (business migrant) in the last 10 years.

■ In certain circumstances family actual means in the current tax year may be used.

16

■ Where a family member receives Exceptional Circumstances Relief Payment the Family Actual Means Test does not apply.

Newstart Allowance (NSA)Basic conditions of eligibility

■ Must be unemployed, or regarded as unemployed (this can include some people who work).

■ Aged 21 or over but under Age Pension age.

■ Willing to undertake suitable paid employment.

■ Unless exempted, must participate in or be willing to participate in approved activities and/or JobSearch.

■ Prepared to enter into, comply or vary an existing Activity Agreement to fulfi l the activity test.



■ If not required to look for work you may be paid for up to 13 weeks of a temporary absence from Australia in certain limited circumstances.

Basic rates■ Single, no children $424.30 pf

■ Single, with dependent child/ren $458.90 pf

■ Single, aged 60 or over, after nine months $458.90 pf

■ Partnered (each) $382.80 pf

■ Single, principal carer of a dependent child (granted an exemption for foster caring/home schooling/distance education/large families $525.10 pf.

■ Advances of allowance of up to $500 may be available.




■ Participants in Work for the Dole or the Language, Literacy and Numeracy Programme may be eligible for an additional payment of $20.80 a fortnight.

■ If a couple is separated because of illness, they may each be paid $458.90 pf.

■ One member of a couple may be paid $458.90 pf if the partner not receiving payment is imprisoned.

■ Single principal carers of a dependent child aged under 16 and people assessed as having a partial capacity to work may be eligible for a Pensioner Concession Card.


■ Rent Assistance not available to single people aged under 25, without dependants, who live with their parent or guardian.

■ Where both members of a couple without children are receiving an allowance or benefi t, Rent Assistance is shared.


■ A personal income test is applied.





Partner Allowance (PA)This payment is no longer able to be claimed.

Basic conditions of eligibility■ Born on or before 1 July 1955.

■ Member of couple (partner must be on a qualifying pension, allowance, Austudy or ABSTUDY at time of Partner Allowance claim).

■ No recent workforce experience (see Widow Allowance).

■ No dependent children aged under 16.



Basic rates■ Maximum rate $382.80 pf





■ Where both members of a couple without children are receiving an allowance or benefi t, Rent Assistance is shared.


■ Partners of people receiving Special Benefi t see Special Benefi t.




Mature Age Allowance (MAA)This payment is no longer able to be claimed.

Basic conditions of eligibility■ Aged 60 or over but less than Age Pension age.

■ In receipt of a Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs or Department of Veterans’ Affairs income support payment for the preceding nine months and on Newstart Allowance at time of claim, orhave received a payment of a pension or a non-activity tested allowance in the 13 weeks preceding the claim, orhave previously received Mature Age Allowance at any time.

■ Have no recent workforce experience (see Widow Allowance).

17



Basic rates■ See Newstart Allowance.









Widow Allowance (WA)No new claims will be granted after 1 July 2005 unless the woman was born on or before 1 July 1955.

Basic conditions of eligibility■ Woman born on or before 1 July 1955.

■ Not a member of a couple.

■ Widowed, divorced or separated (including separated de facto) since turning 40.

■ No recent workforce experience.

■ Recent workforce experience means work of at least 20 hours a week, for 13 weeks or more during last 12 months.

■ Required to attend a participation interview with a Centrelink Offi cer annually.


■ Must be in Australia as an Australian resident for a continuous period of 104 weeks (not including absences), or arrived in Australia as a refugee, or has a qualifying residence exemption.

■ Both the woman and her partner were Australian residents when she was widowed, divorced or separated (some other exemptions may apply).


Basic rates■ See Newstart Allowance.







CDEP Participant Supplement (CPS)and Supplementary Benefi ts (Add-ons)

■ Provides assistance to Community Development Employment Project (CDEP) participants.

Basic conditions of eligibility■ CDEP participants are paid wages from CDEP organisations.

They may also receive some additional assistance from Centrelink (outlined below), if they are:

– listed on the CDEP scheme participant schedule

– receiving CDEP scheme wages, and

– qualifi ed for a Centrelink income support payment.

Residential requirements■ The residence qualifi cations are equivalent to those

applying to the primary payment for which the CDEP participant is qualifi ed.

Basic rates■ CDEP Participant Supplement (CPS) $20.80 per fortnight.

■ Rent Assistance see Chart G (page 23).

■ Pharmaceutical Allowance, see relevant allowance or pension type at Chart H (page 23).

■ Pensioners on CDEP may also receive some remaining pension after application of the CDEP dollar-for-dollar income test, see below.

■ Income support recipients who are still entitled to a part payment will continue to qualify for either a Pensioner Concession Card or a Health Care Card.

■ CPS recipients may also get:

– automatic access to a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card if applicable, see Chart E (page 21), and

– Family Tax Benefi t Part A free of income and assets testing.

■ CPS recipients other than pensioners can choose to receive their payment fortnightly or quarterly.

■ Remote Area Allowance is payable to pensioners only.

CDEP Participant Supplement (CPS) income test■ CPS is payable if income is below:

– Single $973.00 pf

– Partnered $895.00 pf

■ Total income of both partners must be under $1790.00 per fortnight.

■ Pensioners are eligible for the CPS while they retain some pension. Where they have lost their last dollar of pension then the CPS income test applies.

Income test for add-on assistance Allowees■ Allowees claiming Rent Assistance or Pharmaceutical

Allowance must meet the same income test as other income support recipients.

18

■ Only CDEP wages over the amount that the person would receive if they were receiving an income support payment (the person’s threshold) are counted as ordinary income. CDEP wages below that threshold are ignored. The normal allowance income test is then applied, see Chart D (page 20).

Pensioners■ CDEP income will reduce the pension by one dollar for

every dollar earned on CDEP up to a maximum threshold of $424.30 for singles and $382.80 each for couples. CDEP wages over this amount will be treated as ordinary income, see Chart C (page 19). The threshold will generally be lower for pensioners aged under 21.

Assets test■ Refer to relevant allowance or pension type.

Special Benefi t (SpB)Basic conditions of eligibility

■ In fi nancial hardship and unable to earn a suffi cient livelihood for themselves and dependants due to reasons beyond their control.

■ Not able to get any other income support payment.

■ For short-term payment, available funds must not be more than the applicable fortnightly Newstart or Youth Allowance rate.

■ For long-term payment available funds must be no more than $5000.

Residential requirements■ Must be an Australian resident, or

■ A holder of a temporary visa subclass 070, 309, 310, 447, 451, 695, 785, 786, 787, 820, 826 or a holder of a Criminal Justice Stay Visa issued specifi cally for the purpose of assisting in the administration of criminal justice in relation to the offence of people traffi cking, sexual servitude or deceptive recruiting.

■ Available to newly arrived migrants after 104 weeks in Australia as an Australian resident, unless they have experienced a substantial change in circumstances beyond their control since making an irrevocable decision to come to Australia (some other exemptions may apply).

■ May be paid for up to 13 weeks of a temporary absence from Australia in certain limited circumstances.

Basic rates■ Generally as for Newstart Allowance or Youth Allowance.

■ May be reduced if in receipt of free board and/or lodgings or receiving other forms of support.

■ Education Entry Payment of $208 may be payable (single parents only).

■ Employment Entry Payment of $104 may be payable (single parents only).

■ Pensioner Education Supplement may be payable (single parents only).

■ Pharmaceutical Allowance may be payable (See Chart H page 23).

Rent Assistance ■ Generally as for Newstart Allowance, Sickness Allowance or

Youth Allowance depending on circumstances.

Income test■ No income free area, benefi t reduced by one dollar for each

one dollar of income.



Crisis PaymentBasic conditions of eligibility

■ Must:

– be qualifi ed for an income support pension or benefi t and the pension or benefi t must be payable, and

– be in severe fi nancial hardship, and either:

– have left their home and be unable to return home because of an extreme circumstance, such as domestic violence and have established or intend to establish a new home, or

– have served at least 14 days in gaol or in psychiatric confi nement, or

– have remained in their home following domestic violence and the family member responsible has left or been removed from the home.

■ Must claim:

– within seven days after the extreme circumstance occurred either within seven days of leaving the home, or

– within seven days of the family member responsible leaving or being removed from the home, or

– up to 21 days before or within seven days after release from gaol or psychiatric confi nement.

Residential requirements■ Must be an Australian resident or the holder of a specifi ed

subclass of visa and in Australia at the time the extreme circumstance or domestic violence occurs.

Basic rates■ A one-off payment, equal to one week’s payment (without

add ons) of the person’s pension, benefi t or allowance.

Remote Area Allowance (RAA)Basic conditions of eligibility

■ Tax-free allowance for pensioners/allowees/benefi ciaries.

■ Income Zone Tax Offset (formerly Zone Rebate) will be reduced by the amount of the allowance paid.

Residential requirements■ Resident of ORDINARY TAX ZONE A, or

SPECIAL TAX ZONE A (with certain exceptions), orSPECIAL TAX ZONE B.

■ Can be paid for the fi rst eight weeks of a temporary absence from Australia.

19

Basic rates■ Single: $18.20 per fortnight.

■ Couple: $15.60 per fortnight each.

■ Plus $7.30 per fortnight for each dependant.




Chart A and B–Assets test for pensionsor allowances and Austudy

Chart A–Assets test for homeowners

Family situation For full pension/allowance*

For part pension#†

Single** up to $161 500 less than $338 500

Partnered (combined) up to $229 000 less than $523 500

Illness separated couple (combined)

up to $229 000 less than $583 000

One partner eligible up to $229 000 less than $523 500

Chart B–Assets test for non-homeownersFamily situation For full pension/

allowance*For part pension#†

Single** up to $278 500 less than $455 500

Partnered (combined) up to $346 000 less than $640 500

Illness separated couple (combined)

up to $346 000 less than $700 000

One partner eligible up to $346 000 less than $640 500

Some assets are deemed to earn income, while certain assets are not included in the assets test. Contact Centrelink for more information.

Note: The rate of payment is calculated under both the income and assets tests. The test that results in the lower rate (or nil rate) will apply.

# Limits will increase if Rent Assistance is paid with your pension.

* Assets over these amounts reduce pension by three dollars per fortnight for every $1000 above the limit (single and couple combined).

NSA/WA/PA/SA/SpB/Parenting Payment/YA and Austudy and MAA not payable if assets exceed these amounts.

† Pharmaceutical Allowance included.

** For DSP customers, these limits apply if aged over 21 only. For those aged under 21 the same income/assets test applies, but with different limits. See your nearest Centrelink Customer Service Centre for information.

Extra Allowable Amount for Retirement Village and Granny Flat Residents

If your Entry Contribution is equal to or less than the Extra Allowable Amount, you are assessed as a non-homeowner. Your Entry Contribution will count as an asset. You may qualify for Rent Assistance. The Extra Allowable Amount is the difference between the non-homeowner and homeowner asset test limits, currently $117 000.

Hardship provisionsIf you have assets but little or no income you are expected to rearrange your affairs to provide for yourself. In some cases that is not possible. If you are in ‘severe fi nancial hardship’ you may be able to get an income support payment. Different tests apply to such cases.

Chart C–Income test for pensionsIncome test for pensionsFamily situation For full pension (pf)* For part pension (pf)#†

Single** up to $128.00 less than $1455.25

Single + one child up to $152.60 less than $1479.85

Couple (combined) up to $228.00 less than $2435.00

Illness separated couple (combined) up to $228.00 less than $2882.50

Additional children add $24.60 per child

Some assets are deemed to earn income, while there are special rules for other types of income. Contact Centrelink for more information.

Note: The rate of payment is calculated under both the income and assets tests. The test that results in the lower rate (or nil rate) will apply.

* Income over these amounts reduces the rate of pension payable by 40 cents in the dollar (single), 20 cents in the dollar each (for couples).

** For DSP customers, these limits apply if aged over 21 only. For under 21 the same income/assets test applies, but with different limits. See your nearest Centrelink Customer Service Centre for information.

† Pharmaceutical Allowance included.

# These fi gures may be higher if Rent Assistance is paid with your pension.

Compensation incomeCompensation income, such as weekly workers’ compensation payments, is assessed under a separate income test. For each dollar of compensation income the income support payment (pension or allowance) is reduced by a dollar. Family Tax Benefi t Part A is not affected by the compensation rules. Lump sum compensation payments are also subject to special rules.

20

Chart D(a)–Personal Income test forYouth Allowance, Austudy, ABSTUDY

Income test

Family SituationFor full

Allowance (pf)*For part

Allowance (pf)

Single, aged under 18, at home

Students & Australian Apprentices up to $236 less than $566.84Job seekers up to $62 less than $410.84

Single, aged 18 or over, at home

Students & Australian Apprentices up to $236 less than $631.17Job seekers up to $62 less than $475.17

Single or partnered, no dependants,

away from home

Students & Australian Apprentices up to $236 less than $829.50#Job seekers up to $62 less than $673.50#

Partnered, with dependants


Single, with dependants


Single, long-term unemployed aged 21 or over, undertaking full-time study or Australian Apprenticeship, at home up to $236 less than $718.17

Single, long-term unemployed aged 21 or over undertaking full-time study or Australian Apprenticeship, away from home up to $236 less than $954.00#Partnered, long-term unemployed, no dependants, aged 21 or over undertaking full-time study or Australian Apprenticeship, no children up to $236 less than $886.34#

* For job seekers, fortnightly income between $62 and $250 reduces fortnightly allowance by 50 cents in the dollar. Income above $250 reduces payment by 60 cents in the dollar.

For students and Australian Apprentices, fortnightly income between $236 and $316 reduces the fortnightly allowance by 50 cents in the dollar. Income above $316 reduces payment by 60 cents in the dollar. For students and Australian Apprentices the income test is subject to Income Bank credit.

Partner income which exceeds the cut-off point reduces fortnightly allowance by 60 cents in the dollar.

# These fi gures may be higher if you are eligible for Rent Assistance or Pharmaceutical Allowance.

Note: For ABSTUDY recipients aged 21 years and over the rate of entitlement is aligned with Newstart. Please contact ABSTUDY on 13 2317 to ascertain the effect of personal income.

Chart D–Income Test for NSA, WA, PA,SA, MAA

Income test

Family SituationFor full

Allowance (pf)*For part

Allowance (pf)**

Single no children up to $62 less than $800.50

Single aged over 60 after nine months up to $62 less than $858.17

Single, with dependent child(ren) up to $62 less than $858.17

Partnered (each) up to $62 less than $731.34

Single, principal carer (NSA) includes those carers with a dependent child granted an exemption for foster caring, home schooling, distance education or large family up to $62 less than $968.50

* Fortnightly income between $62 and $250 reduces fortnightly allowance by 50 cents in the dollar.

For income above $250 per fortnight, fortnightly allowance reduces by 60 cents in the dollar.

Partner income which exceeds cut-out point reduces fortnightly allowance by 60 cents in the dollar.

** These fi gures may be higher if you are eligible for Pharmaceutical Allowance or Rent Assistance.

Working CreditWorking Credit helps working-age people to keep more of their income support payment when they take up work. When people have little or no income, they will build up 'working credits'. Then if they do work, their working credits increase the amount they can earn before their income support payment is reduced. For example, someone with 150 working credits is able to earn an extra $150 above the income free area before their payment starts to reduce.

It also helps people who take up short-term jobs by making it easier for them to get their payments restarted (for up to 12 weeks). This means that people don't have to reapply for payments, they just need to prove that their job has ended, or that their income has dropped, and Centrelink will restart their payments.

Maintenance incomeMaintenance income does not affect payments other than Family Tax Benefi t and parentally means-testedYouth Allowance.#

■ Maintenance income-free areas:

Single parent or member of a couplereceiving maintenance $1215.45 pa

Couple, both receiving maintenance $2430.90 pa

For each additional child add $405.15 pa

■ Maintenance over these amounts may reduce Family Tax Benefi t Part A by 50 cents in the dollar, until the minimum amount of Family Tax Benefi t per child is reached.

■ Pensioners who are blind are exempt from the maintenance income test.

# Applies only if eligible to receive more than the minimum rate.

21

Chart E—ConcessionsAutomatic issue Health Care Card (HCC)

The HCC is automatically issued to people who are not qualifi ed for a Pensioner Concession Card who are receiving:

■ Newstart Allowance, Partner Allowance, Sickness Allowance, Special Benefi t, Widow Allowance and Youth Allowance (job seekers only).

■ Parenting Payment (partnered), Exceptional Circumstances Relief Payment, Farm Family Restart Income Support and those entitled to receive the maximum rate of Family Tax Benefi t Part A by fortnightly instalments.

■ Mobility Allowance.

■ Carer Allowance (CA), paid to parents/carers in respect of a child with a disability. The card is issued in the child’s name. Other parents/carers of children with a disability who do not receive CA may receive a HCC subject to less stringent disability-related eligibility criteria.

■ Community Development Employment Project Scheme Participant Supplement where the recipient is qualifi ed for an income support payment (attracting a HCC), but that payment is not payable due to either the assets test, or the rules relating to seasonal or intermittent workers. These customers receive the HCC applicable to the payment type for which they are qualifi ed.

Once people are no longer receiving these payments, they must generally stop using their HCC. However, in some instances, people can retain their HCC for up to 26 weeks after returning to work. This provision is designed to assist people to make the transition from income support to work. The provision applies to long-term recipients of NSA, SA, PA, SpB, WA, and YA (job seekers). Former long-term recipients of PPS, NSA and YA (job seeker) who are a single principal carer of a dependent child also qualify for a HCC extension (in addition to a 12 week PCC extension).

A HCC extension is also available, under certain circumstances, to people who remain qualifi ed for certain payments during a nil rate period under the Working Credit scheme.

Claim required Health Care Card (HCC)Low-income earners and foster children can obtain specifi c types of HCCs:

■ A “low-income” HCC is available on application to people with income below certain levels. Once eligible, the qualifying income limits may be exceeded by up to 25 per cent before eligibility for the card is lost. The income test applies to average weekly gross income for the eight weeks immediately prior to applying for the card. Income limits for the period 20 March 2007–19 September 2007 are:

Single $423.00 pw

Couple (combined) $705.00 pw

Single or Couple with one child $739.00 pw

For each additional child add $34.00 pw

These limits (except for the child add-on) are indexed twice yearly, in March and September, based on movements in the Consumer Price Index.

There is no assets test for the low-income HCC.

■ A foster child HCC is available, on application, to assist foster children and carers. The card can be claimed by the foster carer on behalf of the child. The foster child HCC is

issued only in the name of the child, and can only be used to obtain concessions on services utilised by the child. The foster child HCC is not means tested.

Residential requirementsCertain residence requirements must be met to qualify for any type of HCC.

Pensioner Concession Card (PCC)A PCC is automatically issued to:

■ all age pensioners, Department of Veterans’ Affairs service pensioners and war widows receiving income support supplement. Income support pensions include Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, Wife Pension, Carer Payment, Parenting Payment (Single), Bereavement Allowance, and Widow B Pension.

■ Newstart and Youth Allowance (job seeker) customers assessed as having a partial capacity to work or who are a single principal carer of a dependent child.

■ older benefi t customers, that is:

– Mature Age Allowance customers, and

– customers aged 60 or over who are receiving Newstart Allowance, Partner Allowance, Widow Allowance, Parenting Payment (partnered), Sickness Allowance, or Special Benefi t, and have been in continuous receipt of one or more of the above payments (or a income support pension) for nine months or more.

■ participants of the Pension Loans Scheme who are qualifi ed to receive a part-rate pension.

■ Community Development Employment Project (CDEP) participants who are qualifi ed for a income support pension but that payment is not payable due to the result of either the assets test or the rules relating to seasonal or intermittent workers, and who therefore qualify for the CDEP Scheme Participant Supplement (CPS).

■ CDEP participants who are qualifi ed for Newstart Allowance, Partner Allowance, Widow Allowance, Parenting Payment (partnered), Youth Allowance, Special Benefi t or Mature Age Allowance (paid under Newstart conditions), but where that payment is not payable due to the result of either the assets test or the rules relating to seasonal or intermittent workers, and who therefore qualify for the CDEP CPS. Note that these customers must be aged 60 years or over, and have been in continuous receipt, or have been taken to be in continuous receipt of one or more of the above payments (or a income support pension) for nine months or more.

Once people are no longer qualifi ed for these payments, they must generally stop using their PCC. However, in some instances, certain customers can retain their PCC for a short period after returning to work. These provisions are designed to assist people to make the transition from income support to work.

Disability Support Pensioners (DSP)■ Retain their PCC for 52 weeks after losing qualifi cation for

the pension due to commencing employment of 15 hours or more per week or because of the level of earnings from employment.

Wife Pension (DSP) customers■ Retain their PCC for 52 weeks after qualifi cation for

payment if their partner has been receiving DSP, and

22

their partner loses qualifi cation for the pension due to commencing employment of 30 hours or more per week, or because their partner’s income from employment causes them to lose qualifi cation for DSP.

Older benefi t customers (as defi ned earlier)■ Retain their PCC for a further 26 weeks if their payment

stops due to the person or their partner commencing employment, or due to the level of earnings from this employment.

Parenting Payment (single) customers■ Retain their PCC for 12 weeks after losing entitlement to

Parenting Payment (single) due to an increase in income due to employment. A Health Care Card is issued for the balance of 26 weeks, that is a further 14 weeks provided the customer has been in continuous receipt for the last 12 months of either:

– an income support pension (except for a Special Needs Pension), or

– an income support benefi t (other than Austudy or Youth Allowance paid to students).

Newstart and Youth Allowance (job seekers)■ Retain their PCC for 52 weeks after losing qualifi cation

due to employment income, if they have been assessed as having a partial capacity to work, or

■ Retain their PCC under the same provisions as Parenting Payment (single) customers (see above), if they are the single principal carer of a dependent child.

A PCC extension is also available, under certain circumstances, to people under age pension age who remain qualifi ed for certain payments during a nil rate period under the Working Credit scheme.

Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC)The CSHC is targeted at self-funded retirees of Age Pension age (see chart under Age Pension) who do not qualify for an Age Pension because of assets or income levels.

To qualify for a CSHC a person must make a claim for the card, and meet the following criteria:

■ not be receiving an income support pension or benefi t or a Department of Veterans’ Affairs service pension or income support supplement, and

■ be of Age Pension age, and

■ be living permanently in Australia and be:


– a holder of a permanent visa, or

– New Zealand citizen who arrived on a New Zealand passport.

■ available to newly arrived migrants after 104 weeks in Australia as an Australian resident or Special Category Visa holder (some exemptions may apply).

■ must be in Australia to retain card.

■ have an annual adjusted taxable income of less than $50 000 for singles; $80 000 for couples (combined income), and $100 000 combined or $50 000 each for couples separated by illness, respite care or gaol. An amount of $639.60 per year is added for each dependent child. There is no assets test.

Seniors Concession AllowanceSeniors Concession Allowance (SCA) is paid to holders of the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) to assist in meeting household expenses. The payment is made twice a year in June and December and each instalment is adjusted to increases in the Consumer Price Index. The current annual rate of SCA is $214.00.

Telephone AllowanceTelephone Allowance (TAL) is a quarterly payment to assist with the cost of maintaining a telephone service—it is not paid to assist with the costs of telephone calls.

TAL is paid to pensioners, certain allowees and eligible CSHC holders.

TAL is paid quarterly on the customer’s fi rst delivery day after 1 January, 20 March, 1 July, and 20 September each year.

The current rate of TAL is $85.60 per annum ($21.40 per quarter). This amount is shared between both members of an eligible couple.

Utilities allowanceUtilities Allowance (UA) is paid to Australians of Age (or Veteran) Pension age in receipt of income support and to people who are receiving MAA, PA or WA, to assist with meeting utilities bills. The payment is made twice a year in March and September and each instalment is adjusted to increases in the Consumer Price Index. The current annual rate of UA is $106.00 for singles and $53.00 for each eligible member of a couple.

Chart F–Taxable/Non-Taxable*Taxable

■ Age Pension, Disability Support Pension (for people of Age Pension age), Widow Pension, Carer Payment (if carer or person being cared for is of Age Pension age), Wife Pension (if wife or husband of Age Pension age), Parenting Payment, Bereavement Allowance, Newstart Allowance, Widow Allowance, Sickness Allowance, Special Benefi t, Youth Allowance, Mature Age Allowance, Partner Allowance, Austudy Payment, ABSTUDY Living Allowance, and Education Entry Payment.

Non-taxable■ Disability Support Pension (if under Age Pension age),

Wife Pension (if both spouses are under Age Pension age), Carer Payment (if carer and person being cared for are both under Age Pension age), Family Tax Benefi t Part A (including Rent Assistance, Multiple Birth Allowance), Family Tax Benefi t Part B, Carer Allowance, Youth Disability Supplement, Student Financial Supplement Scheme, Fares Allowance, Double Orphan Pension, Mobility Allowance, Pharmaceutical Allowance, Employment Entry Payment, Remote Area Allowance (offsets the Zone Tax Rebate), Rent Assistance, Telephone Allowance, Utilities Allowance, Seniors Concession Allowance, Assistance for Isolated Children Scheme allowances, Pensioner Education Supplement, ABSTUDY supplementary benefi ts, Maternity Payment, Pension Bonus Scheme, Pension Loans Scheme, Large Family Supplement, Maternity Immunisation Allowance, Child Care Benefi t and Crisis Payment.

Note: The tax treatment of payments made during a bereavement period may differ due to special rules that apply.

23

Chart G–Rent AssistanceFamily Situation Maximum

payment per fortnight

No payment if your fortnightly rent is less than

Maximum payment if your fortnightly rent is more than

Single, no children $104.00 $92.60 $231.27

Single, no children, sharer $69.33 $92.60 $185.04

Couple, no children $98.20 $150.60 $281.53

One of a couple who are separateddue to illness, no children* $104.00 $92.60 $231.27

One of a couple who are temporarily separated, no children $98.20 $92.60 $223.53

* Includes respite care and partner in gaol.

■ Rent Assistance for families with children is usually paid with Family Tax Benefi t. See Family Tax Benefi t for current rates.

■ Rent Assistance is not paid:

– to people paying rent to a government housing authority, although in some situations sub-tenants may qualify for Rent Assistance

– for residents of Commonwealth funded nursing homes and hostels

– to single disability support pensioners aged under 21, without dependants, living with parents

– to other single people aged under 25, living with parents

– to students without dependants, who receive Austudy.

■ Special rules apply to single sharers, people who pay board and lodging or live in a retirement village.

■ Rent Certifi cates are required to verify rent where a customer does not have a formal written tenancy agreement or is not named as a tenant on a formal written tenancy agreement.

■ Rent Assistance is paid as part of another payment. It may be reduced due to the income test rules applying to that primary payment.

■ Rent Assistance is subject to portability provisions where relevant.

Chart H—Pharmaceutical Allowance (PhA) Rate: $5.80 per fortnight for eligible single people,

and $2.90 per fortnight for each eligible member of a couple (i.e. $5.80 in total if both members of a couple are eligible). However, where a person is a member of an illness separated couple or a respite care couple or where a partner is in gaol, the rate is $5.80 per fortnight (i.e. same as for a single person).Payment Conditions under which PhA is paid

Age Pension

Bereavement Allowance

Carer Payment

Disability Support Pension

Mature Age Allowance

Parenting Payment (Single)

Sickness Allowance

Widow B Pension

Wife Pension

Automatically paid to customers of these payments.

Newstart Allowance Customers must be temporarily incapacitated, or have a partial capacity to work, or be a single principal carer of a dependent child, or be over 60 years of age and have been in receipt of income support continuously for at least nine months.

Partner Allowance

Widow Allowance

ABSTUDY

Special Benefi t*

*(Note that Special Benefi t customers are NOT required to be Australian residents in order to be paid PhA).

Customers must be either temporarily incapacitated, or be over 60 years of age and have been in receipt of income support continuously for at least nine months.

Austudy Customer must be over 60 years of age and have been in receipt of income support continuously for at least nine months.

Parenting Payment

Partnered

Customer must be over 60 years of age and have been in receipt of income support continuously for nine months or be unable to meet participation requirements due to a temporary incapacity.

Youth Allowance (job seeker)

Must be either temporarily incapacitated or a single principal carer of a dependent child or have a partial capacity to work.

Youth Allowance (full-time students and Australian Apprentices)

Must be temporarily incapacitated.

Community Development Employment Project (CDEP)

As per relevant payment type.

Note: PhA is subject to portability provisions where relevant.

24

CO029.0702

CO029.0703

Calling CentrelinkTo make an appointment to see someoneat your nearest Customer Service Centre 13 1021

Employment Services 13 2850

Youth Allowance 13 2490

Austudy 13 2490

ABSTUDY 13 2317

Australian Apprentices 13 3633

Pensioner Education Supplement (PES) 13 2490

Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) Scheme 13 2318

Retirement 13 2300

Disability, Sickness and Carers 13 2717

Family Assistance Offi ce 13 6150

To speak to Centrelink in languages other than English 13 1202

For information about claiming a payment from a country other than Australia and about claiming an Australian payment while outside Australia 13 1673

Calling from outside Australia (you can reverse charge) +61 3 6222 3455

Australian Government Services Fraud Tip-off Line 13 1524or through the internet at www.centrelink.gov.au

Customer Relations Freecall™1800 050 004 for complaints, compliments or feedback

TTY Enquiries Freecall™1800 810 586 Only for people who are deaf or who have a hearing or speech impairment. A TTY phone is required to use this service.

TTY Customer Relations Freecall™1800 000 567 For complaints, compliments or feedback. Only for people who are deaf or who have a hearing or speech impairment. A TTY phone is required to use this service.

Information on payment rates is also available on the Centrelink website at: www.centrelink.gov.auCalls to ‘13’ numbers from a standard telephone service can be made from anywhere within Australia for no more than the cost of a local call (call charges may vary depending upon the telephone service provider). Calls to ‘1800’ numbers are free of charge. Calls from public and mobile telephones may be charged at a higher rate.

Centrelink Self Service A growing number of Centrelink services are available through online and phone self service. Using self service customers can:

■ Update family income estimate

■ Claim student Youth Allowance or Austudy

■ Report employment income

■ Update address and banking details

Online self serviceOnce registered, customers can logon at www.centrelink.gov.au to access online services anytime between 5.30 am and 12 midnight local time, Monday to Friday, between 5.00 am and 6.00 pm local time on Saturday and anytime between 8.00 am and 8.00 pm on Sunday local time.

Phone self serviceCentrelink has two phone self service lines. These lines offer 24 hour, seven day a week convenience. Phone 13 3276 to report fortnightly income—customer support for this number is available Monday to Friday from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm local time except national or state public holidays. Phone 13 6240 for all other options—customer support for this number is available Monday to Friday from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm local time except national or state public holidays.

This publication has been prepared by Centrelink to give you information about payments and services it delivers on behalf of the Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaCSIA), Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST) and Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR).

Disclaimer

The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to payments available.

What are your responsibilities?

• It is your responsibility to decide if you wish to apply for a payment and to make the application, having regard to your particular circumstances.

• The information is accurate as at 20 March 2007, but may of course change. If you use this publication after that date, please check with Centrelink that the details are up to date.

From what date are benefi ts payable?

Most government payments are paid from, or after, the date on which the application is made. So the sooner you lodge your application the quicker you may be paid.

What is the position if you deal with a third party?

You may deal with a third party who is not a member of Centrelink’s staff. If you do so, please remember that Centrelink has not authorised any third parties to provide information or advice to you about payments. If you think a decision about your payment is incorrect, you can contact Centrelink and ask for the decision to be reconsidered.

If you are not satisfi ed with the service you received from Centrelink you can talk to our Customer Relations staff on Freecall™1800 050 004. If you are still not satisfi ed, you can contact the Commonwealth Ombudsman whose local number is listed in your phone book.

a guide to australian government payments...australia without notifying the family assistance ofﬁ...

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